She just writes fantastic songs: the melody of 5 Dollars is perfectly poised between sweetness and melancholy; What’s-Her-Face frames a lyric about self-loathing with an ominous cloud of electronics; Damn (What Must a Woman Do?) conjures a crowded dancefloor at 4am so effectively you can virtually feel the perspiration dripping from the ceiling. It is an album about pop music as much as any of the other topics it addresses.

Chris more than anything revels in fluid identities--whether gender, personality, mood, or otherwise--and the way they free people from expectations and limits. By extension, this frees up Christine And The Queens from musical conventions, and propels the group to the precipice of greatness.

It’s true to say that Chris seems to run out of steam a bit at the end, with only the beautifully reflective Make Some Sense really standing out during the album’s last few tracks. Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop Héloïse Letissier’s second record being one of the year’s most intelligent, enjoyable albums, and cements her position as one of our most intriguing, interesting pop stars.

Here, as with Grimes, percussion is used as a weapon; none of the lyrics are clichéd top 40 pap. Unlike Grimes, however, Letissier has a bold, synthetic funk payload to commend her, and her lyrics are more obviously personal.

Some tracks, like "Doesn't Matter," are splendid on their own, without getting into a showy pop realm: what that song lacks in hooks, it makes up for with micro walls of sound and a choral climax, courtesy of some sublime layering. But others are better at a distance. ... Despite that, Letessier's evidently heightened confidence goes a long, long way on Chris, and its emotions and attitude pop with astonishing strength, even if the sound could afford to do so a little more.

The funky beats and heavy vocal range of Héloïse turn this album into a beautiful, dancey trackway
pushing boundaries of sexuality, genderThe funky beats and heavy vocal range of Héloïse turn this album into a beautiful, dancey trackway
pushing boundaries of sexuality, gender roles and self doubt.…Expand

Another magnificent album by the French artist. "Chris" offers the best of both worlds, with deep ballads similar to her debut albumAnother magnificent album by the French artist. "Chris" offers the best of both worlds, with deep ballads similar to her debut album "Christine and the Queens" and refreshing 80s synth-pop songs to dance along to, this album definitely belongs to the best of this year.

Best tracks: The walker (La marcheuse), Goya Soda, Feel So Good and Make some sense.…Expand

Mediocre dance pop in French. Downright bland dance pop in English. Not terrible, but definitely not as good as the critic reviews wouldMediocre dance pop in French. Downright bland dance pop in English. Not terrible, but definitely not as good as the critic reviews would make you think.…Expand